Electrical massage apparatus.



No. 722,841; PATENTED MAR. 17, 1903.

W. F. HEDSTROM.

ELBGTRIGAL MASSAGE APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 8, 1902.

T0 MODEL.

UNITED STAT S IVILBUR F. HEDSTROM, OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA.

ELECTRICAL MASSAGE APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N 0. 722,841, dated March 17, 1903.

Application filed December 8, 1902- Serial No. 134,408. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, WILBUR F. HEDSTROM, a citizen of the United States, residing at Los Angeles, in the county of Los Angeles and being treated and at the same time to apply thereto any desired pressure and toquickly change such pressure and current to a different portion of the body. 'I accomplish these objects by the device described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, forming a part hereof, in which- Figure 1 is a side elevation of massage apparatus. Fig. 2 is a plan of the same, showing it connected to asource of electrical energy. Figs. 3 and 4 are respectively an end and a plan of a detachable pressure-shield.

In the drawings, A represents metallic tips which are fastened upon the ends of wires B, which wires are joined together at C and extend as a single wire D to the binding-post E, to which it is removably connected. These wires are shown in dotted. lines in Figs. 1 and 2. Wires B are covered by a suitable insulation F and with the tips form what 1 term the fingers of my apparatus. The rear portion of wires B and wire D are covered by a removable handle G, which is also some non-conducting substance, such as wood or hard rubber. In the drawings theseinsulating-envelops are not shown by the technical representation of solid black, because it would prevent theillustrationin dotted lines of the wires that run from the binding-post to the metallic tip. I have shown three tips, as that number can be easilymoved through the hair and produces very satisfactory results in the treatment of the scalp. Any other number may be used. The ends of these tips may be of any suitable shape to run through the hair and contact with scalp easily. When used for treating other parts of the body, I prefer to cover the tips with a resilient metallic shield H, which is held upon the tips by the resilient pressure of the shield. The purpose of this shield is to enable me to apply the electric current over a greater surface than would come in contact with the tips and also to enable me to exert a pressure on a larger area than would be covered by the ends of the tips.

' In the use of my apparatus I electrically connect it with one pole of a source of electrical energy, preferably with a battery I, and to the other pole of the battery or other sourceof electrical energy I electrically connect an electrode J These electrical connections are preferably flexible insulated wires. In one hand I hold the electrode and grasp the handle of the apparatus with the other, and if the scalp is to be treated I rapidly move the tips over it and apply a pressure thereto at the same time. When treating the other parts of the body, I prefer to cover the tips with the shield for the reasons hereinbefore set forth. I prefer that the apparatus be moved rapidly, as the electric current induces a free capillary circulation and at the same time strengthens and stimulates the circulatory nerves. By the rapid motion of the device danger of causing congestion of the blood vessels of the skin is avoided, and the pressure, combined with the electric current, aids in causing the dislodgment of any dead tissue of the skin or parts adjacent thereto.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. An electrical massage apparatus comprising a plurality of metallic tips, wires connecting said tips with a binding-post; an insulating-cover for said wires.

2. In an electrical massage apparatus in combination a plurality of metallic tips; wires connecting said tips with a binding-post; an insulating-cover for said wires; resilient metallic pressure-shield adapted to be sprung upon said metallic tips.

3. In an electrical massage apparatus in combination a-plurality of metallic tips; a

binding-post; a battery; an electrode; insulated covered wires electrically connecting said several parts.

4. In an electrical massage apparatus in combination, an insulating-handle; a metallic Wire extending therethrough, and branching at its forward end into a plurality of fingers or prongs; metallic tips on the front end of said fingers; insulating material surrounding said fingers except at the tips; a binding- :0 post connected to the Wire in the handle.

In witness that I claim the foregoing I have hereunto subscribed my name this 2d day of December, 1902.

WILBUR F. HEDSTROM.

Witnesses:

G. E. HARPHAM, M O. NIcKELEsoN. 

